Derek Holland (rower) facts for kids

Derek Holland was born on January 14, 1974, in Dublin, Ireland. He is a well-known Irish rower and also works as a teacher at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. Derek is famous for his impressive rowing career, especially for finishing fourth at the 1996 Summer Olympics as part of the Lightweight Men's Coxless Fours team.

Early Life and Rowing Start

Derek Holland was born in Dublin, Ireland. He began his journey in rowing when he was around 13 years old. In 1987, his father, John Holland, introduced him to the sport. This was the start of Derek's exciting career on the water.

Derek's Rowing Journey

Derek Holland competed in many important rowing events around the world. He showed great skill and determination in various races.

Olympic Games Performance

When Derek was 22 years old, he competed in the 1996 Olympic Games. These games were held in Atlanta, United States. Derek and his team finished in fourth place in the Lightweight Men's Four event. This was a fantastic achievement at such a major international competition.

World Championships Success

Derek also had great success at the World Rowing Championships. These championships bring together the best rowers from around the globe.

• In 1989, Derek joined the Irish Junior team. They competed in Szeged, Hungary, and finished fourth in the junior eight sculls.
• In 1995, he won a gold medal at the World Rowing Championships in Tampere, Finland. He was part of the Lightweight Men's Four team.
• In 1996, Derek earned a bronze medal in the Lightweight Men's Eight event. This competition took place in Glasgow, Great Britain.
• In 1998, he won a silver medal in the Lightweight Men's Four. This championship was held in Cologne, Germany.

World Rowing Cups

Derek also competed in the World Rowing Cups. These are a series of international rowing regattas.

• In 1997, he participated in the World Rowing Cup II in Paris, France. He finished sixth in the Lightweight Men's Four event.

Major Achievements

Derek Holland's career was filled with many impressive achievements. He won a total of 4 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze medals at the World Rowing Championships.

Olympic Games Results

• 1996 – 4th place in the Coxless Four event. He rowed with Sam Lynch and Tony O'Connor.

World Rowing Championships Medals

Derek won many medals at the World Rowing Championships. Here are some of his notable achievements:

• 2002 – Gold medal in the Coxless Four.
• 2002 – Another Gold medal in the Coxless Four.
• 2002 – Silver medal in the Coxless Four.
• 2001 – Silver medal in the Coxless Four.
• 2001 – Bronze medal in the Coxless Four.
• 2000 – Bronze medal in the Coxless Four.
• 1999 – Gold medal in the Coxless Pair.
• 1999 – Silver medal in the Coxless Pair.
• 1999 – Bronze medal in the Coxless Pair.
• 1998 – Silver medal in the Coxless Four.
• 1996 – Bronze medal in the Eight.
• 1995 – Gold medal in the Coxless Four.